Driving Sustainable Change through Community-Based Waste Management: An Impact Study of the Rindu Resik Program

Abstract

Waste management in Indonesia continues to face challenges, particularly at the final disposal stage, where landfills have limited capacity. Prabumulih City faces a similar situation, with consequences for both the environment and local communities. In response, PT Pertamina EP Prabumulih Field, in collaboration with the Prabumulih City Government, initiated the Rindu Resik Program, a community-based approach to inorganic waste management. This study assesses the program’s impact in driving sustainable change at the community level. Using a case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and documentary study. The findings show that the program generates impacts across four dimensions: environmental, economic, well-being, and social. Environmentally, the Recycling Center (Pusat Daur Ulang, PDU) processes 1,440 tons of inorganic waste per year. Economically, the group’s annual turnover reaches IDR 539 million, a 40% increase. In terms of well-being, members’ knowledge increased by 25%, and 40 youths not in education, employment, or training (NEET) became engaged in waste management. Socially, the program created 27 new jobs and involved more than 20 stakeholders. These findings demonstrate that community-based waste management not only contributes to waste reduction but also generates multidimensional impacts that drive sustainable change at the local level.